What Causes a Fishy Vaginal Odor and What Can I Do About It?

A fishy vaginal odor isn’t cause for concern, unless you have other symptoms

Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD

A mild, fishy vaginal odor may occasionally occur without any underlying issue. In many cases, simply changing into a fresh pair of underwear and pants after a bath or shower can restore your usual scent. But if the odor persists or occurs with other symptoms like itching, unusual discharge, or pain, you should follow up with a healthcare provider.

This article reviews possible causes of a fishy vaginal odor, ways to get rid of the odor at home, treatment options, prevention, and when to contact a healthcare provider.

What Can Cause a Fishy Vaginal Odor?

An unfamiliar or unpleasant vaginal odor could be from poor hygiene, imbalanced vaginal pH (acid-base) levels, infections, and even a rare genetic disorder. The following explores possible causes of a vaginal odor.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common culprits behind a fishy vaginal odor. The odor is often the strongest after sexual intercourse or menstruation (period bleeding). BV can also cause itching and lead to an increase in thin vaginal discharge that may be gray, greenish, or yellow.

BV occurs when there's an imbalance in the normal flora (good and bad bacteria) of the vagina. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria changes the pH balance. This imbalance can be the result of douching, having multiple sexual partners, recent antibiotic use, or using scented feminine hygiene products.

Related: What Does Bacterial Vaginosis Smell Like?

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It commonly leads to a distinct, strong, fishy vaginal odor. Other symptoms may include:

• Frothy or watery yellow-green vaginal discharge

• Vaginal itching

• Burning with urination (peeing)

• Lower abdominal pain

Dehydration

Dehydration, not getting enough fluids, can indirectly cause a change in vaginal scent because the body does not produce enough vaginal discharge. This reduces the self-cleaning abilities of the vagina. Dehydration can also cause a concentration your urine (pee), leading to a more pungent ammonia-like smell, which might be mistaken for vaginal odor.

Sweat

While sweat itself doesn't usually have an odor, when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it can cause an unpleasant scent. Intense physical activity, hot weather, and hormonal changes can increase sweating, including in the genital area.

Hygiene

Inadequate hygiene, such as infrequent washing or not changing underwear, can cause a buildup of dirt, sweat, dead skin, or bacterial overgrowth. While it’s not typically a fishy smell, it can cause an unpleasant odor. Also, changes in personal care products like soap, detergent, underwear, and feminine hygiene products can cause a pH imbalance in the vagina.

While the odor of period blood does not have a fishy smell, it may have a unique metallic or iron-like scent, which is normal. However, the combination of menstrual blood and sweat, poor hygiene, or changes in vaginal pH can also alter the scent.

Sexual Activity

Sexual intercourse introduces body fluid like semen which has a unique scent and can change the pH balance of the vagina. Also, sexual lubricants, sex toy cleaners, and barriers like condoms can change pH balance, leading to a change in odor.

Trimethylaminuria

Trimethylaminuria is a rare genetic condition that can cause a fishy or ammonia-type body odor, including in the vaginal area. This condition makes it difficult for the liver to break down the chemical trimethylamine. The body then accumulates and releases trimethylamine through sweat, breath, and bodily fluids.

Do Yeast Infections Smell?

Yeast infections may cause a mild odor but are not usually offensive or fishy. The primary symptoms of a yeast infection are vaginal or vulvar (area outside the vagina), itching, burning, redness, and a thick, white discharge.

Can You Get Rid of a Fishy Vaginal Smell at Home?

Sometimes, just taking a shower or bath and changing your underwear and pants can help get rid of a fishy vaginal smell. If you don’t have time to take a bath or shower, use a warm washcloth and wipe down the area until you do. It’s important to include the folds between your legs and belly, as they can trap odor.

You don’t need to clean the inside of your vagina with soap. Just use warm water in delicate areas and use a mild, unscented soap on the external areas. Douching or using harsh soaps can disrupt the natural, normal flora and pH balance, potentially making the issue worse.

Related: 9 Natural Remedies to Restore pH Balance in Your Vagina

Treatment Options

Treatment options for a fishy vaginal odor depends on the underlying cause. For example, the first line of treatment for BV or trichomoniasis is typically Flagyl (metronidazole), an antibiotic. A healthcare provider may also prescribe another antibiotic, Cleocin (clindamycin), for BV.  Or, they may suggest Tindamax (tinidazole), an antiparasitic, for trichomoniasis.

Related: How Trichomoniasis Is Treated

How to Prevent Unwanted Vaginal Odor

The following are tips to help prevent unwanted vaginal odor:

• Prioritize regular hygiene: Wash the genital area daily, after sexual intercourse, and after sweating. Use warm water only in sensitive areas to maintain the natural pH balance.

• Menstruation hygiene: Change menstrual pads, tampons, or period underwear regularly.

• Choose breathable cotton underwear: Wear breathable underwear for proper air circulation, reducing moisture, and preventing bacterial overgrowth.

• Drink plenty of water: Hydration helps dilute urine and minimize concentrated odors.

• Practice safe sex: Use protection, such as condoms, to prevent the introduction of semen and reduce the risk of STIs.

• Probiotics: Eating fermented foods and yogurt or taking probiotic supplements can help support a healthy vaginal flora.

• Avoid douching: Douching disrupts vaginal flora and pH balance.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If you are worried about vaginal odor and it doesn't go away with regular hygiene practices, like showering and changing clothes, consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and guidance.

Additional reasons to call a provider regarding vaginal odor are:

• If the odor persists or becomes stronger over time

• If the odor occurs with other symptoms like itching, burning, or pain

• Unusual vaginal discharge

• Pain or bleeding with sexual intercourse

• Postmenopausal changes in vaginal odor

• Bleeding between periods

• If you have risk factors for STIs, such as unprotected sex with new or multiple partners

Read Next: Understanding Changes in Vaginal Odor

Summary

Fishy vaginal odor can be due to infection, dehydration, sweat, hygiene practices, and a rare genetic condition like trimethylaminuria. Occasional changes in odor that resolve with hygiene are normal. Good hygiene, wearing breathable fabrics, drinking plenty of water, practicing safer sex, and incorporating probiotics can help manage mild cases. But a persistent fishy vaginal odor, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain, or burning requires consultation with a healthcare provider.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.